Do we need new USAF trainers to replace the T-38, or should we buy planes that can defend the USA that are not super expensive?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 19:06:44 -0500

The USAF is about use or lose $50 billion dollars for a new trainer. I feel that the USAF has made poor decisions lately. Why not refurbish the T-38s like they are doing to the A-10s?
They wanted to kill the A-10 Warthog and put all the money in the buggy and fat F-35. Donald Trump is thinking about making less F-35s and maybe using the F-18 Super Hornet with F-35 upgrades. I sugggest the F15 SG which Saudi Arabia and Singapore have as good candidates.

Response by SFC George Smith made Dec 27 at 2016 7:10 PM

SFC George Smith — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 19:10:22 -0500

this is one that the Big wigs are going to have to fight about and throw the Lobbyists under the Bus...

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 27 at 2016 7:12 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 19:12:38 -0500

How about none of the above. Adding F-35-like electronics to older aircraft is like adding new chrome wheel covers to that old rusting jalopy. Yes, the F-18 and the F-15 are fine aircraft with outstanding records, but they are not stealthy. Although they may be superior dogfighters, they are not going to elude advanced missiles (air-to-air or ground-to-air). If the Raptor is sufficiently stealthy, upgrade its electronics. Whatever anyone decides, I hope PE Trump puts his daughter Ivanka in the Pentagon and makes her program manager overseeing all projects so that whatever is decided, it will be carried through to completion competently.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Dec 27 at 2016 7:18 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 19:18:01 -0500

As long as it is shiny and supposedly high tech.
All branches fall into that trap.

Response by 1stSgt Nelson Kerr made Dec 28 at 2016 8:29 AM

1stSgt Nelson Kerr — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 08:29:12 -0500

Anyone have any numbers on maintenance cost got the antique trainers we fly now? Sometimes.it is time.to.stop pouring money into a platform that is getting hard to find parts for.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Dec 29 at 2016 10:54 AM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 10:54:38 -0500

I have been around the training world for a while and I can say with certainty that we need to replace the T-38. With what...I don't know. This airplane has served the AF for over Fifty years with student pilots. Now what that means is like you want to buy a used ATV. If it has been properly maintained and used by a adult then it probably will last a little while longer with some maintenance. However, if it is ridden by a teenager or a kid for years on end then it probably needs to be replaced. It is the same for the T-38. It has been stressed (hard maneuvers/hard landings/etc) for over 50 years with students learning how to fly it. It is beat up and it just can't hang on much longer. My input is to go to a single jet airframe for pilot training from start to finish. As the student advance you can teach different tactics or procedures etc. But it would save on costs.

BTW...The Air Force isn't the only service that has made poor choices lately...the F-35 is a Joint program, Navy/Marines have made some on ship designs and weapons procurement, army on weapons and vehicle procurement. there is enough Defense oops to be spread around.